Day one wrap: Science Meets Parliament

What a superb opening day of Science Meets Parliament 2023 - #SMP2023!

Welcoming us warmly to Country, Ngunawal Elder Uncle Wally Bell urged us to “respect country, listen to country and to show respect for others on country.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP said each year “Science Meets Parliament crowds the corridors of power in Canberra with hundreds of inspiring scientists and technologists. This event connects the worlds of science and technology with our elected representatives … and it puts science on the radar of Parliament in a powerful way.” 

Shadow Minister for Science Paul Fletcher concurred: “Your work as scientists is enormously respected and valued across the political spectrum. Science Meets Parliament is an opportunity to inform politicians and those involved in the policy process about the work you’re doing and why it matters.”

Science & Technology Australia’s dynamic President Professor Mark Hutchinson noted the stellar program across the next three days of senior speakers with deep expertise. “Together they have decades and decades of experience in how to influence decision-makers, work with Parliamentarians, advocate for great policy and make a difference in the world.” 

Then the world’s greatest living mathematician, the Mozart of mathematics, and newly-appointed member of President Biden’s National Council on Science & Technology - UCLA Professor Terence Tao - shared his inspiring insights on how maths can save the world.  “Yes maths is a superpower … so many problems in the real world require complex solutions, so it really is an exciting time for mathematics," he observed.

He reminded us that “maths is more than just numbers; it’s the language we use to make things precise” and that, in maths, “it’s not about being the smartest or the fastest - but about patiently accumulating knowledge”. "Sometimes things in the world seem like magic or sorcery, but with a mathematic and scientific background, you can dig deeper into our world and understand how it works".

In our stellar panel to refresh our understanding of civics and the political system, Dr Madelaine Chiam told us that by sharing science expertise into the policy process: “Don’t underestimate the value of getting your science out there into the world”. “Know how to find and engage the ‘invisible hands’ – the people who shape the policymaking process but may not always be seen,” she advised. 

CropLife Australia CEO Matthew Cossey reminded us that in effective advocacy: “Organisations need to have ‘trusted partner’ status – with Ministers, advisers, and having the Departments lined up to agree it’s a good idea.” 

And McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership CEO Margaret Fitzherbert shared great tips on a comprehensive approach: “When Cabinet papers are developed, they include ‘coordinating comments’ from a range of Departments – so think about how to get them pointing in the same direction.” 

In a power panel on how to effectively engage with policymakers, Department of Industry, Science and Resources Secretary Meghan Quinn reminded us to think about the broader context in which a government is operating and to ask yourself whether an idea is compelling. And she reminded us that to find the right person to talk to on an issue: “the Government online directory (GOLD) is literally gold! 

Australian Public Service Deputy Commissioner and Academy and Capability Head Dr Subho Banerjee told us to be quick, nimble and succinct. “Being quickly to the point is critical - and answer the question in front of you. When briefing busy Department Secretaries and Ministers who have so many things in front of them, you need to be pertinent, clear and relevant.” 

UQ Professor Paul Young reminded us of the power of a killer opening sentence in a submission, grant application or briefing: “Your punchline should be upfront”.

“You may have a bit of cool new technology, a big breakthrough, but clear communication is a story. The elevator pitch is key: it’s a hook that gets you attention. Then you build a story around impact your science will have. You need all of those bits of the jigsaw in place.” 

To wrap up the day, a panel of inspiring First Nations powerhouses shared how Indigenous Knowledges are pivotal to tackling the most complex challenges we need to solve. 

Minyungbal wajung and Yugambeh/Bundjalung woman Rachael Cavanagh of Balun Budjabin Consulting reminded us of the powerful concept at the heart of relationship to Country: “First Nations people don’t see ourselves as separate from Country, we are part of Country”. 

Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation CEO Joe Morrison – of Dagoman and Torres Strait Islander heritage – reminded us that in First Nations knowledge systems: "Our communities talk about their old people rightly as professors – people with an enormous depth of knowledge of their country.” 

Kabi Kabi and Birra Gubba man Sean Appoo of the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation told us: “When it comes to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together, one of the key principles must be mutual benefit.” 

And to close the day, Quandamooka mathematician, ATSIMA - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance Chair and STA Board Director Professor Chris Matthews urged us all think deeply about the impact of our work. “No matter what part of STEM you’re in, you will have an impact on people and Country. Every STEM area will have that impact – you need to think beyond what you’ve been taught and break open some of the boxes that you situate yourself within.”